Maybe, though, they could be solved with some blasted love.
June fell asleep in her arms not long after their intensity faded. Miquela held her as close as she dared, afraid to suffocate her.
“I love you, June,” she whispered, her mind and mouth so divorced that she didn’t know what language she uttered it in. “Do you know what a big deal that is for me to say? I will do anything to make you mine. Say what you want, and I will give it to you.”
She sighed against Miquela’s bare chest. No words. No sign that she had heard her.
Miquela would have to find a way to tell June in her dreams.
Chapter 10
June
The greatest feeling wasn’t finally arriving “home” after a long flight and a longer car ride in a chauffeured sedan, but that feeling of triumph June experienced upon walking through the Manoir’s front doors early Monday afternoon.
“All hail the conquering heroine,” Grace said, standing in the dining room doorway. She held up a glass of orange juice while June wandered toward the grand staircase, eager to throw her luggage in her room and be done with it. “See the ghost of Grace Kelly, Miss Monaco?”
Now I get why Miquela is tired of having Americans ask about Grace Kelly.After seeing all that the little nation had to offer… why did it always have to be a former queen who happened to be a famous American actress?At least ask me about the disappointment that was Monte Carlo.Who the hell decided that Miquela couldn’t go into casinos? Wasn’t that what her family did for a living?
“No ghosts, sorry.” June opened her tote bag and pulled out a tiny bottle of French Champagne, the souvenirs of choice she brought back.Er, I nicked them from Miquela’s plane. Right under her nose, no less.For some reason, she found it greatly amusing that June forewent joining the Mile High Club for the tenth time in her life to search the plane for last-minute souvenirs that looked like they could’ve come from Monaco. “Brought booze, though.”
“That’s because you are the best.” Grace air-kissed her coworker before disappearing into the dining room again. “By the way, Monique said she wanted to see you as soon as you got home. She’s in her office. Catch her before she goes home.”
June trudged upstairs, bags heavy and eyes heavier.Have not slept much. Between the time difference and the thrills of a weekend trip to Monaco… oh, and that raunchy as hell sex Miquela cooked up with her the night before.
After dumping her luggage in her room, June continued down the hall with one of the tiny bottles in her hand.
“You’re back already?” Monique called from her bedroom as soon as June entered the suite. “I hope everything went well. Your check-in texts weren’t bad.”
June lumbered through the bedroom doorway, depositing the bottle of Champagne on Monique’s wet bar. “I was wined and dined in one of the most luxurious nations in the world.” She decided to add an addendum to that. “Did you know citizens couldn’t go into the casinos?”
“Doesn’t everyone know that?”
“No.” June looked away. “Did you get the pictures I sent you?”
“Yes. Lovely.” Monique thumbed through her recently acquired photos. June had sent anything pertinent, like the photos of Miquela’s apartment, her cars, boats, and the choice, exclusive restaurants they were in. She even snuck a photo of the snotty sisters.That Dolores.God. If June had any inclination tomarry Miquela, it was dashed now. No way would she ever put up with that shit for a family. Sette’s parents sound perfectly peachy in comparison.
“What do you think?”
Monique pulled her short legs onto her bed, sitting cross-legged with her stomach bulging in their gap.That looks so uncomfortable. Monique had taken to some rather unconventional postures and positions since becoming twice as wide as she was tall. Hard to believe she wasn’t due for another six weeks. “I think either woman would make a terrific patron. Although, if you want my professional opinion…”
“Of course I do.” Monique was one of the few who knew more than June. Or at least she had a killer sixth sense for this business. “Lay it on me. The sooner this is over, the better.”
“Ms. Bolivar is my top choice for you. Not only does she have more money, but she also has more powerful connections than Dr. Christie. We could always use more referrals here, especially if we go on to hire another two girls as we’ve discussed.”
June nodded. “I thought you would say that. I agree.”
“You do?”
“Why wouldn’t I agree? I want what’s best for the business. Not just yours, but mine, too. Miquela and I get along great. There also isn’t as much…” June stopped.Emotional attachment.She shouldn’t say that. No need to worry Monique that something deeper was going on between her and Sette. Hmph.Miquela’s the one who keeps saying she loves me, though. She felt it more strongly with Sette. Blech. Both women were a headache.
And a heartache.
“Anyway, I agree. If Miquela offers the most money, we should automatically accept. You’re right about everything. If Miquela is my patron, then that’s about half the month where I don’t have to worry about her monopolizing my time, and I can earnmore from other clients. She’s also comfortable with the type of arrangement we have and isn’t prone to jealousy. She knows what I am and how we relate to one another.”She called me her girlfriend…“I talked to Sette about what would happen if she didn’t get accepted for patronage. She said she would still be able to keep our current arrangement going as is.”
“That’s excellent. Sounds like everything is falling into place as it is. We could almost call the bids closed with Ms. Bolivar as it is.”
Something was off in Monique’s tone. “So why don’t we?”End this swiftly!June was ready for things to go back to normal in her life.
